Long time guys!
I was really anxious before I watched the show. I remember greeting my teeth together to prepare for anything. My girlfriend and I were ready to watch, when 5 minutes went by and I found myself (and her) enjoying the show.
Story:
It's a different take, I'll start with that. And I'm really not against it at all. Because one can only tell the same story so many times before it stops being appealling.
(Not that re-watching the old movies and cartoons get boring, but you get my drift).
I've seen 3 episodes so far, and I like all of the premises set for future episodes.
Splinter has a daughter, Raph has a pet turtle, Mutagen turning people into mutants. (Mutagen called MUTAGEN). Etc.
I'm a bit afraid they go the "mutant of the week" as well, but not so much since what I've seen so far is really great.
Graphics:
I like the CGI look, the animation is decent enough, I honestly can't see anything wrong with it.
Sure, the anime-gags can be a bit tiresome, but the interesting thing is they use them mostly for western jokes anyway. (Watery eyes is a universal gag)
I particularly loved Mike's expression when he tried his first pizza. XD
Sound: Well the voicework is incredible. They all fit perfectly well into their roles. I'm not so sure on why Mikey sounds like Spongebob, but I'm gonna let him slide because it's oddly fitting (and at least is as tolerable as a surf-dude that's always high)
The opening sequence... My god, I love it! Take the OT chorus, and add Vanilla Ice-esque 90's rap, and put them together, and it's one huge nostalgia surge (along with some original comic visual aid, and the original logo).
Characterization: Personally, I find every turtle interesting here. In previous TMNT entries, only two turtles out of the four got interesting representations. But in this show? ALL of them are equally interesting! I can't pick a favorite.
Leo with him wanting to ACT all leader-like inspired from a Star Trek knock-off, Mikey being his usual bufoony self, Donnie not being the last leg as always before, but jumping more into the action this time around, and Raph because he's his usual tough-guy self with a bit of a psycho side, and in contrast also has a very tender side now which makes him much more interesting.
Even SPLINTER is awesome.
The lines are great too. And the subtle references to past TMNT media is ever-pleasing.
If this is what the kids of today will remember the Turtles to be like when they grow up, then I must say I'm really glad for them. I think it's a great show with a good ammount of love put into it for both kids and adults.
I hope those who decided to not watch it, give it a chance at some point. It's really worth it.